São Paulo Enacts 'Gravedigger Bob' Law for Pet Burials
The state of São Paulo in Brazil has introduced a groundbreaking new law that allows pets to be buried alongside their owners in cemeteries, a measure inspired by the heartwarming story of a dog named Bob Coveiro, who famously stayed by his owner's grave for ten years. Signed this week by the conservative governor Tarcísio de Freitas, the legislation is informally known as the Bob Coveiro (the Gravedigger) Law, honouring the canine's unwavering loyalty.
Recognising the Emotional Bond
According to the state government, the law "recognises the emotional bond between guardians and their pets" and authorises dogs and cats to be interred in graves and family plots where the concessions belong to the owners' families. This move provides a dignified alternative to cremation, which often involves high costs that can lead to improper disposal of remains, as highlighted by one of the bill's authors, conservative state deputy Eduardo Nóbrega.
Nóbrega emphasised in a social media post that "anyone who has lost a pet knows: it's not just an animal. It's family." The law aims to make pet burial more accessible and respectful, addressing a growing demand for such provisions across Brazil.
The Story of Bob Coveiro
Bob's former owner passed away in 2011, and after her burial in a cemetery in Taboão da Serra, a city about 12 miles from São Paulo, the brown long-haired mixed-breed dog refused to leave her side. Relatives attempted multiple times to take him away, but he always returned, eventually being adopted by cemetery staff who provided him with a kennel, food, baths, and vaccinations.
Known as Gravedigger Bob, he gained national fame for accompanying funeral processions while carrying a small ball in his mouth, trying to play with visitors—a gesture many interpreted as offering comfort during moments of grief. Tragically, in 2021, Bob left the cemetery grounds and was struck by a motorcycle, leading to his death.
Public Reaction and Legacy
Bob's death caused widespread public commotion, and with no legal provision at the time, the Taboão da Serra city council made an exception to allow him to be buried next to his former owner. In response, the NGO Patre, which works with stray animals, launched a crowdfunding campaign to install a statue in the cemetery, unveiled in 2022. The plaque beneath it reads: "Our tribute and gratitude for your lessons in love and loyalty," adding that "in the face of grief, [Bob] taught us to 'offer little balls' and attention when others need it most."
Broader Context in Brazil
São Paulo is not the first Brazilian state to authorise pet burials alongside owners; similar laws are already in force in Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina. A federal bill has been pending in the lower house of congress since 2023, indicating a national trend towards recognising pets as family members.
However, the issue has faced opposition in some regions. For example, in the city of Apucarana in Paraná state, a similar law encountered strong resistance in 2024, with city councillors arguing that cemeteries are "sacred ground" and such burials would be "inappropriate." Despite this, the law was ultimately approved, reflecting shifting attitudes towards animal rights and memorialisation.
This new legislation in São Paulo underscores a growing movement in Brazil to honour the deep connections between humans and their pets, ensuring that loyal companions like Bob Coveiro are remembered and respected in death as they were in life.
